The historic Gor-e-Shahid Eidgah Maidan in Dinajpur, the largest eidgah maidan in Bangladesh, is ready to host hundreds of thousands of Muslim devotees on Thursday.
For the first time, two special trains have been arranged for the convenience of the worshipers at this ground, which is set to host the largest Eid congregation in the country.
This new initiative is expected to result in an even larger congregation than that of Eid-ul-Fitr, where 600,000 worshippers prayed together.
Preparations at the Eidgah Ground
While visiting the Eidgah maidan, it was seen that the ground has already been beautified and levelled. The task of marking, painting, and arranging for ablution, and temporary toilets has been completed.
According to the organizers, there will be a gathering of more than six hundred thousand worshipers in this field, and arrangements are being made accordingly.
Security Measures and Medical Provisions
Four-tier security measures have been taken for the security of the devotees. Watch towers have been built around the field. Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and Ansar members, including police and intelligence members in plainclothes, will be assigned to each row on the ground.
Volunteers and supervisors will be responsible for managing the ground.
In anticipation of Eid-ul-Azha, the surveillance of intelligence and law enforcement officers has been increased in and around Dinajpur city.
Muslim devotees would be allowed to enter the field through 17 gates starting at 7am, carrying only prayer mats and umbrellas. For the safety of attendees, all entrants will be checked with metal detectors.
In an effort to ensure security, the field will be under constant surveillance by 30 CCTV cameras.
The local police force will station officers around the perimeter of the field, maintaining a vigilant patrol.
To cater to any health emergencies, a health camp will be established to provide immediate medical assistance.
Anticipation Among Local Muslim
The preparation has brought a wave of anticipation among the local Muslims.
Safiqul Islam, a resident of the Paharpur area in the city, has been offering his Eid prayers at this Eidgah ground for several years. He shared his belief that praying in a larger congregation brings more rewards.
"During Eid, our relatives and friends visit us and they also offer prayers here," he said.
Sirajul Islam, another wannabe attendee, shared his pride for the Eidgah ground and minaret: "Here, large congregations occur, and as a result, Dinajpur's name has now spread around the world."
Rafiq from Balubari area echoed these sentiments: "We participate in prayers here every year. Now, people come from far and wide. We are very pleased. And, we have heard that this time two special trains will be provided for the devotees, which is a significant development."
What does the Eidgah Management Committee say?
Jatiya Sangsad Whip Iqbalur Rahim, advisor and chief planner of the Eidgah management committee, revealed that over six hundred thousand people attended the Eid-ul-Fitr jamaat on this ground.
The committee has prepared to accommodate a similar number of worshippers for Eid-ul-Azha jamaat, he shared.
Rahim said: "To ensure easy access and a safe return for worshippers coming from Dinajpur, Panchagarh, Thakurgaon and other neighbouring districts, as well as various parts of the country, two special Eid trains have been arranged."
The management has also intensified its promotional and security efforts.
The committee has taken all necessary steps to conduct the Eid jamaat smoothly.
The Eid-ul-Azha jamaat will be led by Maulana Shamsul Islam Qasemi, khatib of the Dinajpur General Hospital Jame Mosque.
A Look Back at the Gor-e-Shahid Eidgah Maidan's History
The construction of the largest Eidgah minaret in Bangladesh, spanning 22 acres, commenced in 2015. The minaret features 52 domes.
From 2017 to 2019, six Eid congregations took place at this venue.
However, due to the Coronavirus pandemic, no Eid prayers were held on this field in 2020 and 2021. The Eid congregation resumed in 2022.
